Cheery Dogs, Llc

Cheery Dogs currently offers virtual training and consultations. “Cheery Chats” provide phone and Zoom/Facetime consultations for basic training skills or problem-solving, available in 15-minute to 60-minute sessions. Private training lessons are available for basic skills such as leash walking, sit, stay, down, recall, attention, meet and greet, leave it, and drop it, tailored to individual goals.

Behavior consults address issues like newly adopted pets, new baby and dog integration, house training, fearfulness, generalized anxiety, cat and dog relationships, leash aggression, people aggression, and in-home dog fighting. While separation anxiety is listed as a behavior consult type, Cheery Dogs is not currently working with it and provides referrals.

Previously, Cheery Dogs offered group classes like Puppy Primer (for puppies 9-14 weeks, or small breeds up to 8 months), Puppy Plus (for puppies 4-7 months), and K9 Manners (for dogs 5 months and over). These were typically 5-week courses. One-on-one training packages, such as Puppy Plus and K9 Manners (5 weekly lessons) and Out On the Town (4 weekly sessions), follow a set curriculum with homework and can be shared with a friend for discounts.

Pricing Summary

Virtual consultations are $30 for 15 minutes. Basic training private lessons are $110 for a single one-hour session, with follow-ups also at $110 per hour. For multiple dogs in the same home needing basic training, the initial session is $135, and follow-ups are $110 per hour.

Behavior consults with an associate trainer are $135 for a 1 1/4 hour consultation, with follow-ups at $110 per hour. Consults with Jane Marshall are $175 for 1 1/4 hours, with follow-ups at $150 per hour. One-on-one training packages include Puppy Plus and K9 Manners as a 5-weekly lesson course for $300, and Out On the Town as 4 weekly one-on-one sessions for $240.

A pre-class evaluation for reactive dogs costs $40. If signed up for a group class and needing immediate help, a half private lesson is available for $50. Travel fees may apply for areas outside Carrboro/Chapel Hill and Durham.

Policies

For group classes, cancellations or transfers are not accommodated with less than one week’s notice. If a class has started, the fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Cancellations made with more than one week’s notice for group classes will incur a $30 handling fee.

For private lessons, a week’s notice is required to cancel or reschedule, unless it’s a weather event for outdoor meetings. Cancellations with more than a week’s notice will be refunded minus a $30 handling fee. Additionally, all cancelled private lessons with less than two days’ notice will incur a $30 handling fee.

Free make-up classes for missed group sessions are held once a month at Homestead Park. Clients can also purchase a private make-up lesson at Homestead Park for $50 for 35 minutes. Missing a class without prior notification results in losing that session.

Cheery Dogs, LLC is a dog training business led by owner and head trainer Jane Marshall, who has over 30 years of experience. They specialize in science-based, force-free, and reward-based training methods, explicitly stating they do not use prong collars, shock collars, or any aversive techniques. The business is recommended by local veterinarians, shelters, and rescues.

Cheery Dogs helps families in the Durham-Chapel Hill area with various dog problems, including house training, fear-based behaviors, leash reactivity, and dog-to-dog and people aggression. They also offer specialized support for families with children and new dogs or puppies, including preparing for a new baby. Additionally, Cheery Dogs provides resources and assistance for cat owners, particularly regarding cat and dog introductions and relationships.

Currently, Cheery Dogs is only taking virtual clients via Zoom or Facetime, and there are no group classes available in 2025. They offer private training services and consultations to address specific training goals and behavior issues.

Accomplishments

Jane Marshall is the owner and head trainer of Cheery Dogs, with over 30 years of experience as a professional dog trainer in the Chapel Hill – Durham area. She is a mentor trainer for CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and a long-time supporter of local rescue groups, providing behavioral advice and evaluations.

Ali Faiz holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from UNC – Chapel Hill and is pursuing a PhD. He is a long-time shelter volunteer at the Durham APS, where he evaluates dogs for adoption, runs playgroups, and trains new volunteers. He is currently studying for his professional dog training certification with the CPDT. Cheery Dogs training is recommended by local veterinarians, shelters, and rescues.

How to Get Started!

To set up a virtual consultation, clients should fill out a contact form or email jane@cheerydogs.com. For basic training private lessons, a sign-up link is provided. For behavior consults, clients need to fill in a contact form, after which they will receive a behavior form and payment information.

For reactive dogs, clients are advised to contact Cheery Dogs to set up a pre-class evaluation, which costs $40 and includes training tips. If a client is signed up for a group class but needs immediate help, a half private lesson can be arranged for $50.